Day 16: An Attitude of Thanks

Lately I’ve been thinking more and more about thanksgiving — about having an attitude of thanks. We’ve heard a lot on this subject before, but it’s so important that it bears repeating. The apostle Peter sought to “stir up our pure minds by way of remembrance” (2 Peter 3:1). I, too, would like to stir up your pure mind today because I believe this devotional will really encourage you!

There is power in taking our eyes off everything that’s not right in our lives — things that aren’t exactly like we want them to be or that didn’t turn out the way we’d planned. There’s a certain inner strength that comes when we turn our focus from what we don’t have and actively focus on what we do have — for example, the bed we lie on to sleep, the house or apartment that protects us from the elements, the food we eat, our families, a mother or father who is still alive and well, etc.

When we think about it, there’s so much in life to be thankful for. And once we start thanking God and acknowledging Him for what we already have, we completely move into the arena of faith to receive even more from Him. We step out of that place of struggling and striving where we’re trying to figure out everything on our own. Instead, we find ourselves resting under the shadow of the Almighty where the devil cannot touch us (see Psalm 91:1,10) — all because we’re thankful to God!

The Bible says that God inhabits the praises of His people (seePsalm 22:3). God doesn’t inhabit worry or complaining, and He doesn’t inhabit criticism — whether it’s in the form of self-doubting or examining other people’s motives or actions! But when we praise and thank Him, His presence comes to change us and the atmosphere around us.

You have a weapon; it’s your own mouth. You can use that weapon for yourself — on your own behalf — or against yourself. I encourage you today to begin to use your mouth on purpose to bring praise to the Lord. Praise Him for who He is — for His holiness, His goodness, and His greatness — and for all He has done and will continue to do because He never changes.

I hope this short message encourages you today. Thank you for continuing on this 28-Day Journey with me. I would love to hear what God is doing in your life! And, as always, if you have a prayer request, our prayer team and I want to agree with you in prayer that our Father in Heaven will meet every need and fulfill every desire that He has planted in your heart.

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OUR VISION… Is to take the Gospel both to our nearby world and to the ends of the earth, proclaiming Christ, and warning and teaching every man with all wisdom, in order that we may present every person fully mature in Christ Jesus. – Colossians 1:28